The national basketball team is with its back against the wall. And at least until the match between Australia and Canada (14:30) is over, its fate is not in its own hands.

The defeat by Spain (84-77) in the 2nd round of the group stage of the basketball tournament at the 2024 Olympic Games means that Greece’s task – in one of the most demanding groups – has become even more difficult.

Australia Beats Canada

If the Australians prevail over Canada, the 3rd round match between Greece and Australia (Friday 2/8, 14:30) becomes procedural for Greece.

This is because Greece, even if they win against Australia, loses all tie-breaks (either with Spain or Canada) and remains in 4th place.

Canada Beats Australia

If Canada wins, then Greece stays alive in the game. But they won’t be able to catch Canada in the standings. They also lose the tie-break with Spain (if the Spaniards are defeated by the Canadians in the 3rd round).

So, if Australia loses to Canada, Greece needs only a win against the Australians to hope. And this with conditions.

Greece Wins, Spain Wins

In this scenario, Spain takes 1st place and Greece goes to 3rd place and hopes to be one of the two best third-placed teams.

In this case, the standings would be: Spain 2-1, Canada 2-1, Greece 1-2, Australia 1-2.

Greece Wins, Canada Wins

Here things get quite complicated. Canada will take 1st place and the other three teams will tie at 1-2.
In this case, the standings would be: Canada 3-0, Spain 1-2, Australia 1-2, Greece 1-2.

And the differences will count. Currently, Greece has -14 and Australia +12 with one game less. It is understood that we want Australia to lose by a large margin (to enter a negative coefficient) and for us to win to cover the handicap against Australia.

As for Spain? After two games they have -5 and have an advantage over Greece. Also, in this game, Greece needs Spain to lose by at least 9 points or more to have hope.

Remaining Matches

• Australia vs. Canada (14:30)
• Australia vs. Greece (2/8, 14:30)
• Canada vs. Spain (2/8, 18:15)

Group Standings

• Spain 1-1 (-5)
• Canada 1-0 (+7)
• Australia 1-0 (+14)
• Greece 0-2 (-14)